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Biodiversity alert: surrounding human pressure prevents many potentially present species from settling in suitable environments. Photo: P. L. Tandon Attribution - Noncommercial - Share alike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedP. L. Tandon Attribution - Noncommercial - Share alike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

A silent biodiversity loss threatens the Planet

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An international study introduces the concept of dark biodiversity, which helps to understand the completeness of an ecosystem in relation to its natural potential. The greater the human pressure, the lower the ability of the system to proliferate
Turisti in coda per visitare il villaggio di Aceredo, in Spagna, riemerso dalle acque durante la siccità del 2022. Gli eventi estremi, come le ondate di calore, possono trasformare gli ecosistemi in fonti di emissioni nette di carbonio. Foto: o_andras Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 Deedo_andras Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

Drought and extreme heat reduce carbon sequestration capacity in plants

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Plant respiration and decomposition of organic matter increase carbon emissions offsetting additional sequestration associated with extended growing season, a study by the Autonomous University of Barcelona finds
Around the Chernobyl “Exclusion zone” (photo) extends the so-called “Compulsory relocation zone,” which has never been fully abandoned. Thousands of people live in the area but no official investment or land use is allowed. Photo: Jorge Franganillo Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedJorge Franganillo Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Low-contamination soils near Chernobyl could now be cultivated, study claims

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Research involving British and Ukrainian researchers hypothesizes the recovery of large areas of the Chernobyl area where cultivation has been officially banned for nearly 40 years
Citizen science can play a strategic role in soil monitoring. Photo: National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Public Domain DedicationNational Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Public Domain Dedication

Citizen science provides valuable help to soil monitoring

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Supported by Prepsoil's database, new research highlights the benefits of citizen science. The approach proves effective but common standards and validation technologies are needed
In the Caatinga area of Brazil, three years after the elimination of grazing, there are no significant improvements for the soil. Photo: Otávio Nogueira Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedPhoto: Otávio Nogueira Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Overgrazing halt not enough to restore soil in Brazil

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The study in the Caatinga region in Brazil: stopping grazing is not enough to restore soil health. Additional regenerative practices must be adopted to achieve results
The Prepsoil project was launched in 2022 to “support the implementation of the Soil Mission by creating awareness and knowledge". Image: PREPSOILImage: PREPSOIL

Brussels to host Prepsoil project final event

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The final event of the three-year initiative will be held on May 26. Dedicated to policymakers, researchers and professionals, the meeting will host four sessions focusing on key issues related to EU Mission Soil implementation
From 1981 to 2021, thirst waves in the U.S. became 17 percent more intense and 23 percent more frequent. Photo: USDA photo by Bob Nichols. Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed.USDA photo by Bob Nichols. Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed.

US agriculture pays the price of atmosphere “thirst”

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An American study introduces the concept of “thirst waves.” In the US they have been on the rise for at least four decades. The phenomenon occurs when evaporative demand is high and plants therefore need more water
Rocky outcrops are common in mountain ecosystems and exert a significant impact on ecosystem functions. Photo: Copyright Chris Gunns and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

How rock outcrops impact soil in the mountains

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A Chinese study describes and measures the effect of outcrops on the soil. These create specific localized “hotspots” where soil functions are enhanced. Rock size amplifies effect
Three years after the Russian invasion, in addition to the inestimable human costs, the war in Ukraine continues to produce significant environmental damage. Photo: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Taras Gren Attribution - Share alike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 DeedMinistry of Defense of Ukraine, Taras Gren Attribution - Share alike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

How war is contributing to environmental degradation in Ukraine

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EU Commission's snapshot: conflict in Ukraine has contributed to the devastation of the land by releasing toxic elements that can cause serious health consequences
An experiment in Wales revealed how bioplastic mulches do not negatively impact soil organic matter content and have minimal effects on the bacterial community. Photo: F. Kesselring, FKuR Willich Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Germany CC BY-SA 3.0 DE DeedF. Kesselring, FKuR Willich Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Germany CC BY-SA 3.0 DE Deed

Biodegradable mulch sheets don’t reduce soil organic content

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According to a British study, the use of bioplastic biodegradable mulch sheets in agricultural soils increases yields and has no side effects in terms of carbon balance

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    • Politecnico di Torino